american made Archives - shell chic'd

A Cape for Your Everyday Superhero

November 4, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

Capes are having a moment. A few weeks ago, I may have not been able to agree less, but after meeting Taylor Ivey, the founder and creative director behind Ellsworth & Ivey, at American Field last month, I couldn’t agree more.

I think what appealed to me most about Ellsworth & Ivey was the story. Her grandmothers—Shirley Ellsworth and Marilyn Brown—were the inspiration behind the brand, and Taylor channels their classic and elegant style [of the 1950s and 60s] in her designs, though adds a modern twist that makes the capes enticing to women of any age.

Designed and manufactured in New York City [yay American-made!], the capes are made of a very warm Alpaca, and are lined with a genuine leather trim. So while they come at a high cost, they are extremely high-quality.

I’m wearing the pesto green version of the Homestead Cape, but you can also find it and the Marilyn Cape in amethyst [just featured on Who What Wear!], camel, charcoal, navy, and winter white. And for any of you engaged ladies: you MUST check out the beautiful Wedding Cape.

Wear capes cinched with a belt…

…or without

Boston ladies: You can find Ellsworth & Ivey at Ball & Buck‘s trunk show on Newbury Street, November 12th from 6 to 9. Stop by to try on both styles and see all the darling colors!

If you can’t make it or prefer to order online, enter code SENDMEACAPE for free shipping!

For more inspiration on how to style your capes this fall, check out this Who What Wear piece. Believe me, you’ll never associate the word with Superman again.

Made in America

October 8, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of American-made goods. So when American Field popped up in the SoWa area a couple weekends ago, you know where I was to be found!

Created by Ball and Buck, American Field is the largest gathering of made-in-the-USA apparel, footwear, and accessories. I saw lots of familiar faces, but also met a number of impressive new brands.

L.L. Bean was a co-sponsor, and since I usually rely on their catalogue, it was so great getting to see so many of their current products in person— and being made right there! They had a seamstress on hand working live on the famous canvas totes.

The Bootmobile even made the trip from Maine!

Vintage ties from General Knot Co.

The fine gentlemen of New England Outerwear were there! So inspired by this company— read my review of their shoes here.

Stunning capes with nautical-inspired details by Ellsworth & Ivey. I’m excited to tell you a lot more about them in a couple weeks, so stay tuned!

I’m a sucker for pretty paper products, so I loved meeting the folks behind Almanac Industries. Their paper, leather, and cloth products are all made by hand in Baltimore.

I’m still such a huge fan of Paxton 1345 boxers. Read my review of them here!

Lots of soft choices from New England Shirt Co., manufactured in Fall River, Mass.

This is hardly even a sampling of all the vendors that were present; just a select few of my favorite booths.

You can vote for the next location of the American Field show on their website, but I definitely have my fingers crossed for Boston again 🙂 So inspiring to see so many quality goods being made over here, and the more we buy from them, the more jobs they can create. #politicaltalkover 🙂

Your Clothes, Your Color, Your Cause

September 4, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

Today I’m featuring the wonderful beacon & brewster. Oh be still my lighthouse-adoring, charity-loving prepster heart. This is quality clothing company with a big-hearted mission.

We all know that certain colors represent different causes— pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, green for Leukemia & Lymphoma, purple for Alzheimer’s (and Epilepsy!), yellow for support of our troops, and so on. beacon & brewster donates 25% of the sales price directly to the charity of the corresponding color. This is one of the more perfect examples I’ve seen of shopping for a cause.

Choose your charity: Alzheimer’s Association, Boston Children’s Hospital, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Fallen Patriot Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Delta Gamma Foundation, or list another!

[ outfit details ]
Pink Polo c/o beacon & brewster | Boyfriend shorts, Target | Anchor belt, ASOS | Wrap bracelet, KJP for Brooks Brothers | Boat shoes c/o New England Outerwear

Like my New England Outerwear boat shoes, these polos are manufactured in New England with all American-made materials. And did you notice the sweet lighthouse logo? From b&b:
“As a recognized symbol of reassurance and hope to sailors as they navigated difficult waters, the lighthouse underscores our hope of providing support to the charities we donate to through the sales of our shirts.”

So next time you’re on the market for a new polo or tee [for men, women, and children], I hope you’ll consider beacon & brewster— I have my eye on the lilac shirt for my next purchase! Which reminds me— summer is coming to an end, oddly meaning that the holiday season is already upon us. How thoughtful of a gift would be one that benefits more than just the recipient? Now you’re able to donate money in your friends’ and families’ names, while still giving them something physical to keep. Cold Christmas? No problem— I’ve been having fun layering my polo with sweaters, so I can definitely attest to this being a year-round purchase!

Shop beacon & brewtster here. Do let me know which color you select and which charity you’ll be supporting!

A Cape for Your Everyday Superhero

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Made in America

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Your Clothes, Your Color, Your Cause

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